Animals and Men - No 12

Magazine Overview

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: 12
Volume: 4
Issue Date: 1997
Publisher: The Centre for Fortean Zoology
Country: UK
Price: £2.00

This issue of 'Animals & Men', the journal of the Centre for Fortean Zoology, presents a diverse collection of articles focusing on unusual and often mysterious aspects of the animal kingdom. The cover prominently features an illustration of a crab and the headline "The Chinese Invasion of Britain - Mitten Crabs in the Thames," alongside other intriguing topics such as "More feathered Dinosaurs," "The mystery animals of Germany," "The Barbary Lion," and "New Zealand Extinctions."

Editorial

The editorial, titled "The Great Days of Zoology," reflects on the magazine's fourth year and apologizes for recent production issues, including lost copies of Issue 11 and delays in the publication of 'The 1997 Yearbook,' 'The Owiman and Others,' and the sister magazine 'The Goblin Universe.' The editor explains that these problems stemmed from a new printer who lost backup disks. A new, reliable printer has been secured, and the magazine aims to return to its publishing schedule. The editorial also outlines a busy publishing schedule for 1997, including new books and further issues of 'Animals & Men' and 'The Goblin Universe.'

Newsfile

The "Newsfile" section, edited by Graham Inglis, compiles a wide array of short reports on unusual animal sightings and phenomena from around the world.

Mystery Cats

Reports from Dundonald, Ayrshire, describe sightings of a puma-like animal. In Hampshire, police investigated reports of a "black panther-like creature" near a school, though it was later suggested to be a Labrador. Another sighting near Southampton described a jet-black creature with a "curled tail."

Other Sightings and Phenomena

• A black creature with a grey head and green eyes was reported near Southampton.
• Dutch police searched for a puma near Maastricht after it was videotaped.
• An escaped lioness was hunted in Normandy, France.
• French police searched the Pyrenees Mountains for a "black animal with a long tail."
• A very large winged insect, possibly the world's largest wasp, was found in Tanzania.
• The Chinese mitten crab is rapidly establishing itself in the River Thames, posing a threat to indigenous crayfish and carrying a parasite.
• Visitors to Lake Tianchi reported seeing a creature resembling the Loch Ness Monster.
• A mermaid-type creature was sighted off Weymouth, Dorset.
• Reports of "blonde hedgehogs" in Somerset, England, possibly due to UV radiation or changing weather.
• A blackbird rejected from its nest for being yellowy-orange was found in a wildlife sanctuary.
• A tiny frog, the size of a fingernail, was discovered in Cuba.
• A previously unknown tribe of light-skinned people was discovered in Indonesia.
• A "snail rustling" incident occurred at a National Trust site in Sussex, with wardens catching poachers targeting Roman snails.
• A horde of snails halted a Moroccan railway line.
• Blue whales in the Mediterranean are dying, possibly from a strain of measles, with pollutants cited as a potential cause.
• A Japanese whaling ship returned with 77 Minke whales caught during a "research" mission.
• Several thousand blue whales have been congregating off the coast of Los Angeles.
• Six right whales washed up dead on the eastern seaboard of the USA in a short period.
• Thousands of salmon died at a Scottish fish farm due to jellyfish stings.
• A plague of toads occurred in central Bolivia.
• The Chupacabras, a blood-sucking beast, reportedly entered a house in Puerto Rico.
• A Sussex woman described a deer attack, and deer in London's royal parks have become aggressive.
• Researchers are attempting to create a half-mammoth, half-elephant offspring using ancient mammoth DNA and elephant sperm.
• The British scorpion Euscorpius flavicaudus is noted for its hardiness.
• An article discusses Patrick Matthew's theory of natural selection, predating Darwin's.
• Scientists have isolated a gene ('age-1') that bestows longer life on worms, with potential implications for human lifespan.
• The magazine notes the influence of Robert A. Heinlein's novels on the 'age-1' gene story.
• The corporate market is being used to protect endangered species, with sponsorship for the dung beetle.
• Research into cricket "hairy eyeballs" and bullfrog nerve cells is exploring how nervous systems handle information.
• Genetic engineering has been used to create a new type of soya bean by splicing genes from petunias, bacteria, and a virus.
• A study indicates that rabbits are more closely related to primates than rodents.

Specific Articles within Newsfile:

• NEWS FROM NEW ZEALAND: Discusses extinctions.
• THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT: Focuses on the Barbary Lion and its "Lost Lion Renaissance."
• STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND: Wolfgang Schmidt examines unexpected animals in Germany.
• OUT OF THIS WORLD: An exobiology column by Graham Inglis.
• NEW discoveries of yet MORE bird-like dinosaurs: by Darren Naish.
• North of the Border: by Tom Anderson.
• Now That's What I Call Crypto: by Neil Nixon.
• THE TIM DINSDALE FILM: Richard Carter discusses Nessie footage.
• Family, Friends, and Out-of-place Animals: by Neil Arnold.

Specific Newsfile Entries:

• MYSTERY CATS: Dundonald, Ayrshire; Hampshire; Southampton.
• BLONDES HAVE MORE FUN: Blonde hedgehogs and a blonde blackbird.
• NEW AND REDISCOVERED: Cuban mini-frog and a fair-skinned jungle tribe.
• WASPS: A large wasp found in Tanzania.
• NEW bird: graveteiro: A newly described bird species.
• I'm not a Pheasant plucker...: Rediscovery of Edward's pheasant in Vietnam.
• SLIME WAVE: Snail rustling and snails halting a train.
• WHALES: Measles in the Med, Minke whale research, blue whale congregations, and dead right whales.
• JELLYFISH KILL SALMON: Jellyfish impacting salmon farms in Scotland.
• Toads: A plague of toads in Bolivia.
• ATTACKS THIS WAS NO PICNIC: Chupacabras incident in Puerto Rico.
• DEER ATTACKS: Deer aggression in Sussex and London.
• MAMMOTH TASK: Creating a half-mammoth, half-elephant.
• THE STING: British scorpion Euscorpius flavicaudus.
• ON THE TRACK OF UNKNOWN EVOLUTIONISTS: Discusses Patrick Matthew.
• Wriggling for longer: Gene for longer life in worms.
• Survival of the fittest...: Corporate sponsorship for endangered species protection.
• Neural codes: crickets and bullfrogs: Information processing in insects and amphibians.
• Animals & Men... and flowers and germs: Genetic engineering of soya beans.
• Rabbits are our distant cousins?: Study on rabbit genetics.

Chinese Mitten Crab Focus

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the Chinese mitten crab's invasion of Britain. The article details how this crab is rapidly establishing itself in the River Thames, negatively impacting indigenous crayfish. It highlights the crabs' aggressive nature and their ability to carry a parasite that can cause serious illness in humans. The article references historical accounts and scientific descriptions of the crab, noting its origin in China and its accidental introduction to Europe via ship ballast water. The author expresses a personal fondness for the creature but acknowledges the need for environmental monitoring.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of zoology, cryptozoology, and unexplained phenomena. There is a clear interest in reports of unknown creatures, unusual animal behavior, and ecological anomalies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting a wide range of reported events and scientific findings, while also acknowledging the need for critical evaluation and further investigation. The magazine aims to inform its readers about the latest developments and curiosities in the natural world, often with a Fortean perspective.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: 12
Date: 1996

This issue of "Animals & Men" presents a collection of "Newsfile Extra" articles covering diverse topics ranging from New Zealand's ancient history and zoological mysteries to the status of endangered lion subspecies and the return of wildlife to Europe.

Newsfile Extra: News From New Zealand

This section, authored by Darren Naish, explores several intriguing aspects of New Zealand's past and present. It begins by addressing the ongoing debate about the timing of human arrivals on the landmass, noting that while the Maori traditionally view themselves as the 'tangata whenua' (original people) with evidence dating back to 800-850 years ago, the issue of earlier human presence remains contentious. The article highlights the 1996 Mount Ruapehu eruption as a significant national event.

A key focus is the Kaimanawa 'wall', a structure found in North Island's Kaimanawa State Forest, described as having a vertical face and near-parallel vertical lines, giving the impression of large, man-made blocks. Barry Brailsford, an author previously criticized for his views, championed this as an ancient structure made by the hypothetical Waitaha people. However, qualified archaeologists and geologists have determined it to be a natural formation, specifically the Rangitaiki Ignimbrite, where parallel joints and cracks formed as the rock cooled, creating an illusion of artificial construction.

Ironically, the same period saw scientific data emerge supporting the idea of a pre-Maori New Zealand presence, derived from the study of rats. Dr. Richard N. Holdaway's radiocarbon tests on the bones of the Kiore (Polynesian Rat, *Rattus exulans*) indicated that rat remains from fifteen sites were over a thousand years older than expected, dating to about 2,000 years before present. This suggests that Kiore were present in New Zealand at least 1,000 years before the Maori, implying transient human visitors around 2,000 years ago who either did not settle or died out before the Maori arrival.

The article discusses the implications of this earlier rat presence on New Zealand's fauna, suggesting that extinctions might have occurred in two waves: an earlier one of small animals starting around 2,000 years ago, and a later one of large animals (like the moa) starting around 800-850 years ago. The impact of European introductions of Brown rats (*R. norveigicus*), Black rats (*R. rattus*), and Stoats (*Mustela erminea*) between 1769 and 1884 is also mentioned, noting their adverse effect on native fauna, particularly tree-nesting birds.

The Barbary Lion by Chris Moiser

This article delves into the enigmatic Barbary Lion (*Panthera leo leo*), a subspecies officially declared extinct when the last wild one was shot around 1922 in the Atlas Mountains. The author notes that news of its extinction might have been premature. A distinctive characteristic of the male Barbary Lion was its long, black mane extending along the underside of the body, a trait shared with the Cape Lion (*Panthera leo melanochaita*). It is believed this mane evolved as a response to the lack of dense bush and cool winters.

The Barbary Lion was well-represented in captivity before its wild extinction. John Edwards' book 'London Zoo from Old Photographs' shows a Barbary Lion named 'Sultan' in 1896. Given that lions are easily bred in captivity, it's likely that 'Sultan' and other captive lions contributed genes to modern African lions in European zoos, as zoos were not always sensitive about maintaining subspecies purity.

The narrative becomes more complex with reports of lions found in the King of Morocco's zoo, thought to be a remnant population of purebred Barbary Lions. Several were moved to western zoos as part of a rescue program, with over fifty now in various world zoos, including a pride at Port Lympne in Kent.

More recently, a colony of eleven long-maned lions was discovered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by Dr. Hym Ebedes. These are believed to be descendants of lions from the private Royal zoo that closed after Emperor Haile Sellasie was deposed in 1974. This collection was referred to as the 'Imperial Collection of Lions' in the 1959 International Zoo Yearbook.

While these lions are likely descended from Barbary Lions, Dr. Ebedes is keen to see long, black-maned lions reintroduced to the Cape. The Cape Lion itself is thought to have become extinct around 1850. Dr. Ebedes has reportedly been in touch with the Capetown Public Works Department regarding the renovation of the old Cecil Rhodes Zoo lion enclosure.

Lost Lion Renaissance by Darren Naish

This article revisits the discovery of lions in an Addis Ababa zoo in July 1996, which were reported to be of a supposedly extinct subspecies. The three males in this group are characterized by extensive, thick black manes. The article notes that while coat and mane color can vary, only the Atlas or Barbary Lion (*Panthera leo leo*) and the Cape Lion (*P.l.melanochaita*) are known for thick, extensive manes. Both are generally considered extinct.

Barbary Lions were historically captured in large numbers for Roman gladiatorial contests. The article contrasts the Barbary Lion of the north with the dark Cape Lion of the south. It also mentions the possibility of Barbary-type lions being reconstituted through cross-breeding, with Morocco's Rabat Zoo reportedly achieving some success.

Between The Lions by Jonathan Downes

Jonathan Downes discusses the historical distribution of lions, noting that they once ranged across Africa, the Arab Peninsula, Asia Minor, and northern India. Lions were wiped out in Palestine around the time of the Crusades but were found in Iran as late as 1923. The article mentions that some authors believe Persian lions may still exist, and an entomologist named Hugh Scott presented evidence for lions being found relatively recently in Yemen. The Asian lions of the Gir forest in northern India are well-known, but the possibility of surviving lions elsewhere in Asia is considered tantalizing.

Historically, lions were found in Greece, but no European lions have been seen since the days of Hercules. The article notes that tigers and leopards, technically European, died out within living memory. The Anatolian Leopard (*P.p.tulliana*) was last seen in the Caucasus in 1956, and a few animals may still exist in Transcaucasia. The last tigers in the region were shot around 1930. The author reflects on the sadness of humanity decimating the distribution of so many species within recent times.

A map illustrates the distribution of lions during historical times, showing extinction dates where known, including Tunis (1893), Zaian (Morocco, 1925), Air (1918), Addis Ababa (1942), Punjab (1942), and Gir (India, 1942).

Life With The Lions (The End Bit)

This concluding section details a telephone call from Michael Playfair, a reader, who inquired about Barbary Lions found in Mozambique. This led to the discovery of a cutting from the Sunday Express dated 22.12.96, detailing the situation of the Akef Egyptian Circus stranded in Maputo, Mozambique, after its owner absconded. The animals, including eight lions, were cared for by remaining staff. Rescuers from a London-based charity, Animal Defenders, arrived to find the creatures. Among them were a male lion named Akef and two lionesses, Hod and Nazine, suspected to be Barbary Lions.

The article includes photographs of Akef, examined by a vet, which provide insights into the mane color of this subspecies. One picture shows a brownish mane, while another, taken when the lion was anaesthetised, reveals a darker, almost black lower part of the mane. This suggests a two-layered mane, with an upper lighter layer and a lower dark layer, potentially resolving inconsistencies in previous descriptions.

It appears there are now two, presumably unrelated, groups of lions suspected to be Barbary Lions in South Africa. The animals found in Mozambique have been moved to Hoedspruit Research and Breeding Centre for Endangered Species in South Africa.

Strangers in a Strange Land: Sightings of Unexpected Animals in Germany: Where on earth did they come from? by Wolfgang Schmidt

This article by Wolfgang Schmidt discusses the phenomenon of unexpected animal sightings in Germany, a densely populated country. It explores the possibility of these sightings being hoaxes or misidentifications, but primarily focuses on the return of animals previously driven to extinction in Germany due to habitat loss and hunting.

Re-Imports: They're back

The end of the Cold War and the "Fall of the Wall" has led to a significant migration trend across eastern Europe, with animals long extinct in western Europe beginning to return to their former territories. This includes wolves, bears, lynx, and wildcats.

The Wolf (*Canis lupus*) is highlighted as the most prominent returnee. Once relentlessly hunted to near extinction in Western Europe, it persisted in smaller populations in Spain and the French Ardennes and Pyrenees, and was relatively common in remote regions of the former Soviet Union (Siberia), numbering around 150,000. Following the opening of the German-German border, wolves began recovering their old territory. Eastern Germany, particularly Brandenburg, has seen an increase in wolf sightings, with an estimated 20-40 wolves now present. This has led to an increase in human-wolf contact and some fatalities, including wolves killed in car accidents or mistaken for feral dogs.

Mecklenburg and Niedersachsen are also reporting more wolf sightings, attributed to the stabilization of wolf populations in eastern Poland and Slovakia, leading to westward movement into northern German low plains. The Bayrischer Wald (Bavarian Forest), where the last wolf was shot in 1846, has also reported the return of wolves, with at least six confirmed living in the Nationalpark. A surprising case involved a wolf named "Lupo" (later renamed "Lupine") shot in the Eifel region in 1994 after killing sheep.

In Switzerland, near Val Ferret, a ferocious beast described as a dog or wolf killed over 70 sheep in the fall of 1995. The "Beast of Val Ferret" was eventually hunted down, and though wounded, managed to escape. The article notes that this was the last heard of the creature.

The Brown bear (*Ursus arctos*) is also discussed as being extinct in Germany and most of Europe for over a century, having been decimated by humans. The article notes that as human population density increased, bear populations decreased.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the intersection of zoology, history, and unexplained phenomena. There's a clear interest in challenging established narratives, whether it's questioning the timeline of human settlement in New Zealand or investigating the potential survival of supposedly extinct animal subspecies like the Barbary Lion. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous scientific inquiry while remaining open to intriguing possibilities and historical accounts. The "Newsfile Extra" format allows for rapid reporting on diverse, often unusual, topics, reflecting a commitment to exploring the fringes of scientific and historical understanding. The inclusion of reader contributions and detailed references suggests a dedication to thoroughness and engagement with its audience.

This issue of "Animals & Men" (#12) focuses on wildlife, paleontology, and exobiology, featuring articles on returning animal populations in Germany, unusual winter bird visitors, cryptid sightings, and new discoveries in dinosaur evolution, alongside obituaries for prominent scientists.

Wildlife Returns to Germany

The issue details the surprising return of large predators to Germany. Brown bears, believed to have crossed from Slovakia after the end of the Cold War, have established pockets in the Bavarian Alps. While generally less aggressive than their North American counterparts, these bears have caused minor incidents, such as a scare for tourists and the capture of a pair in Niedersachsen. The European lynx (Felis lynx), extinct in Germany for over 100 years, has also made a comeback, with populations in the Bayrischer Wald and the Pfalz region, estimated between 10 and 15 and 8 to 10 individuals respectively. Experts debate whether these populations were reintroduced or naturally migrated.

Winter Visitors

The severe winter of 1995/96 forced many birds from colder regions to seek more moderate climates, leading to rare sightings in Germany. These included Golden Eagles, Snowy Owls (indigenous to Arctic tundras), Glaucous Gulls and Iceland Gulls (typically found in Arctic waters), Pink-footed Geese (usually wintering in Britain), and Great Northern Divers (native to North American, Greenlandic, and Icelandic arctic waters). The Gyrfalcon, a highly valued bird of prey, was also sighted in northern Germany near Hamburg.

Cryptids: Exotic Intruders

The magazine explores reports of exotic animals sighted in Germany that were not previously known to exist there. In the late 1980s, a wave of 'Alien Big Cats' (ABC) sightings occurred, primarily in southern Germany, though police searches were unsuccessful. Reports include sightings of large black felines and cougars, with one incident even causing Bayern München's football team to switch practice fields. The article suggests these sightings might be explained by escaped pets, misidentifications of native animals like lynx, or even young dromaeosaurids wandering into new territories. Another section covers 'crocodile' sightings, which were mostly caimans. One caiman, Sammy, escaped during a swim, causing a stir but was later found unharmed. Another caiman was found in a basket outside an apartment, returned by a former girlfriend. Sightings also occurred in Belgium and Holland, with one Dutch caiman escaping and being found in a closet.

Paleontology: New Discoveries of Bird-like Dinosaurs

Darren Naish's article "New Discoveries of yet MORE bird-like Dinosaurs" highlights the rapid rate of dinosaur discoveries, with about one new species found every two months. The focus is on smaller, bird-like theropod dinosaurs, providing evidence that birds are indeed dinosaurs. Theropods, appearing in the late Triassic, evolved into superficially bird-like forms. The article discusses Archaeopteryx, with new dating suggesting its appearance may be pushed back to the Kimmeridgian age. It also mentions new Archaeopteryx-like teeth from Portugal and a specimen from Korea potentially extending the range into the Cretaceous. The debate continues on whether Archaeopteryids were tree or ground dwellers, with evidence suggesting they were capable of flight. The article explores the relationship between dromaeosaurids and birds, noting that some dromaeosaurids exhibit bird-like features such as feathers and sickle claws. New discoveries include a small dromaeosaurid from Montana with a potentially opposable hallux, and another from Italy with preserved soft tissue. The article also touches upon new bird discoveries in Madagascar, such as Vorona berivotrensis, which possesses a sickle-claw, suggesting a close relationship with dromaeosaurids.

Out of This World: Exobiology

This section includes an obituary for Carl Sagan, the renowned astronomer and science communicator, who died in December 1996. It highlights his research on Venus, his proposal of the 'nuclear winter' theory, and his anthropological insights into human behavior. Sagan's optimism about the possibility of extraterrestrial life is also noted, including his hypothesis of an ecosystem in Jupiter's atmosphere.

Another obituary is for Clyde Tombaugh, who discovered Pluto in 1930. It recounts his systematic search for Planet X and the significance of his discovery in understanding the outer Solar System.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the natural world and unusual phenomena, from the return of large mammals to Germany to the speculative realm of cryptids and exobiology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting reports of sightings and scientific discoveries without immediate dismissal, while also offering scientific explanations and contextualizing the findings within broader biological and paleontological frameworks. There is a clear emphasis on the ongoing nature of scientific discovery and the surprising revelations that emerge from both the natural world and the fossil record.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: #12
Publisher: The Centre for Fortean Zoology
Country: United Kingdom
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Animals & Men" delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, cryptozoological reports, and zoological curiosities, featuring articles on the Loch Ness Monster, fossil discoveries, unusual animal encounters, and book reviews.

Feature Articles

Archaeopteryx Diversity

Page 31 presents "Figure Two: Some of archaeoptrygid diversity." This section details the life restoration of *Archaeopteryx lithographica*, estimated to be about 50cm in length and weighing around 300g. It also illustrates the skeleton of *Archaeopteryx bavarica*, approximately 40cm long, characterized by an ossified sternum and long legs. The Eichstatt specimen, named *Jurapteryx recurva*, is described as 30cm long and weighing about 69g. The 'Korean Archaeopteryx' is also depicted, with its preserved three fingers and arm bones showing proportions different from *Archaeopteryx*.

North of the Border

Tom Anderson reports on several natural history and cryptozoological items from Scotland. The first known carnivore fossil in Scotland, a 175 million-year-old theropod vertebra from the Jurassic period, was found on the Isle of Skye, believed to belong to a 10m upright carnivore similar to *Tyrannosaurus Rex*. The article also discusses the decline in numbers of Black Grouse and Capercaillie, attributing it to shooting and hazards from deer fences. The poor state of Red Grouse stocks is also mentioned, with a satirical suggestion for improving the situation.

Now That's What I Call Crypto

Neil Nixon reviews the album "Mutant" by Ultramarine, describing the band's idiosyncratic style blending dance, ambient, and avant-garde music. The track "Mutant" is highlighted for its hypnotic soundscapes and ethereal vocals, exploring themes of strange life and leaving interpretations open, with a humorous comparison to Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Tim Dinsdale's Film - Another Look

Richard Carter re-examines Tim Dinsdale's famous 1960 film of the Loch Ness Monster. Carter argues that the film, examined by JARIC (Joint Air Reconnaissance Centre), likely shows a local fishing boat rather than a large creature. He points out discrepancies in the JARIC report regarding the object's speed and size, suggesting that the film's measurements are flawed and that the object's dimensions are consistent with a 15-foot fishing boat. Carter also notes that the 'marker' boat used for comparison was filmed under different, brighter conditions.

Carter further analyzes Dinsdale's filming, noting that the camera was clockwork-driven and required rewinding, which would affect speed calculations. He suggests that the object's reddish-brown color, visible at a distance, and its movement are more consistent with a boat than a monster. The article concludes that the evidence might point to an angler rather than the elusive 'Nessie'.

A Zoologist-Friendly Guide to Boat Hulls

This section provides a technical explanation of boat hulls, differentiating between non-planing and planing hulls. Non-planing hulls, found on barges and canoes, stay submerged, while planing hulls rise to the water surface at speed. The article describes the characteristics and driving techniques for each type, relating it to the previous discussion on boat speeds.

Family, Friends and Out of Place Animals

Neil Arnold contributes several anecdotes about unusual animal encounters.

• The Centipede-like Creature: A woman encountered a browny-green, six-inch-long creature resembling a centipede with many legs and feelers outside her flat. It was described as 'weird' and too large for a British insect, possibly an escapee from a private collection or imported by mistake. It eventually escaped into a pile of rubble.
• The Borley Rectory Incident: An anecdote from Graham McEwan's "Mystery Animals of Britain and Ireland" describes a lady painting at Borley Rectory who saw a queer object with impelling eyes emerging from mist, accompanied by a wasp. The object was described as being three inches long, black, and segmented.
• Mr X's Encounter: Mr X witnessed a pale, thumb-sized creature with a human-like face and insect-like characteristics hover and vanish. The event is considered potentially psychical in nature.
• Loch Ness Monster Sighting: A friend of the author, privileged to be on Loch Ness, saw a great disturbance and a long neck rise from the water, which then crashed back down. This sighting terrified the boatman.
• Spectral Hound: In Richmond Park during the early 1950s, a man encountered a spectral white hound with huge teeth, appearing to float a foot above the ground, which agitated deer.
• Garden Encounter: The same man later heard loud whip-crack sounds and felt an invisible 'presence' hurtle past him in his garden, accompanied by an unearthly scream like a big cat's. His cat was found hiding, wide-eyed.

The article discusses the fine line between natural and supernatural phenomena, noting that some out-of-place creatures defy natural explanations with abilities like vanishing.

Letters

• Roderick Moore (Liverpool): Inquires about the discovery of unknown creature remains by scuba divers off the Fijian island of Matagi. The remains, described as large (up to 30ft) with yard-long skulls, are unknown to scientists and do not resemble any known marine creature.
• Steve Moore (London): Follows up on a previous letter regarding a yeti comic strip for *Dr Who Weekly*. He clarifies that the strip, titled 'Yonder The Yeti', was drawn by David Loyd and scripted by himself, not Alan Moore or Dave Gibbons.

Book Reviews

• In the Footsteps of the Russian Snowman by Dimitri Bayanov: This book is the first English-language record of investigations into 'relict hominids' in the former Soviet Union. It includes archaeological and cryptozoological expeditions, folklore, and academic discussions. One testimony describes an unknown creature sleeping in Tajikistan. The book presents evidence suggesting the existence of the 'Russian snowman'.
• Pheasants of the World by Keith Howman: A revised edition covering pheasant breeding, captivity management, and a guide to 49 pheasant species. It details the Edwards' Pheasant, recently rediscovered in Vietnam, noting its classification (CITES 1), and the importance of maintaining its genetic viability in captivity due to risks of inbreeding and infertility. It also provides details on aviary size, status, plumage, egg clutch, incubation, and feeding habits.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the boundaries between the known and the unknown in the natural world. Themes include cryptozoology (Loch Ness Monster, Big Cats, Russian Snowman), unexplained phenomena, and unusual animal sightings that challenge conventional zoological understanding. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded, encouraging investigation and discussion of these topics, while also maintaining a critical approach, as seen in the re-evaluation of the Dinsdale film. The publication aims to present evidence and encourage readers to consider possibilities beyond mainstream scientific explanations, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous analysis and the potential for misidentification or hoaxes.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: #12
Date: January 1997 (inferred from 'The Crypto Shop' date)

This issue of Animals & Men delves into a variety of fortean and zoological topics, featuring extensive book reviews, a new environmental magazine, and listings of back issues and related publications.

Book Reviews

"Predators - Great Hunters of the Natural World"

The review of "Predators - Great Hunters of the Natural World" by Malcolm Penny & Caroline Brett describes it not as a reference book but as an expedition anecdote and documentary in style, based on the Anglia TV series 'Survival'. It covers animals like lions, snakes, hunting dogs, grizzly bears, killer whales, leopards, and cheetahs, discussing their natural habitats and behaviors. The book is noted for its excellent illustrations, with very few pages lacking a color photograph, making it a visual treat and an entertaining read. Gaby Roslin's contributions are also mentioned.

"FORTEAN STUDIES VOLUME 3"

Edited by Steve Moore, this volume is praised as the best and most informative yet. Highlights include Karl Shuker's paper on giant mystery birds and Mike Dash's overview of the legend of Spring Heeled Jack. The review also touches upon the re-evaluation of Bernard Heuvelman's sea serpent theories, emphasizing his significant contribution to cryptozoology and his role as 'the father of cryptozoology'. The book is highly recommended.

New Publications and Magazines

"GreenScene"

Introduced as a 'cousin magazine' to Animals & Men and Goblin Universe, GreenScene is the magazine of Devon Greenpeace. It focuses on worldwide environmental and ecological news and current affairs. The magazine is seeking correspondents to send in news items or clippings for its 'GreenScene Newsfile' and provides contact information for Graham Inglis at 7 Queens Terrace, Exeter, Devon.

"The Goblin Universe"

Described as a 'sister' magazine to Animals & Men, 'The Goblin Universe' is presented as a fortean magazine. The issue highlights include "St Neot: Weirdest Village in the West?" (covering ABCs, earthlights, UFOs, and wolf packs), "Exeter Strange Phenomena Group" (investigating psychic phenomena, mind control, crop circles, and apparitions), and "Hellhound On My Trail" (a psychic investigation into the case of the Naked Witches and the Black Dogs of Buckfastleigh). Other topics include "We Are What We Eat" concerning food additives, eyewitness reports from West Africa, animal mutilations, book and music reviews, and a call for no cover-ups on the next Mars mission.

Book Listings

New Books From Publishers

A comprehensive list of new books is provided, featuring titles such as:

• "The Elephant that walked to Manchester" by David Barnaby.
• "The Reptiles of Belle Vue 1950-77" by David Barnaby & Clive Bennett.
• "Quaggas and other zebras" by David Barnaby.
• "Beyond the Highgate Vampire" by D. Farrant.
• "Wild Cat Species of the World" by Richard Green.
• "Ordbog Over Europiske Dyr" by Dr Lars Thomas.
• "In Search of Prehistoric Survivors" by Dr K.P.N. Shuker.
• "Dragons - A Natural History" by Dr K.P.N. Shuker.
• "The Lost Ark - New and Rediscovered Species of the 20th Century" by Dr K.P.N. Shuker.
• "The Unexplained" by Dr K.P.N. Shuker.
• "They Dined on Eland" by Sir C. Lever.
• "Loch Ness - the Tour" by R. Carter.
• "Sasquatch; Bigfoot - The Continuing Mystery" by T.N. Steenburg.
• "On the track of the Sasquatch" by J. Green.
• "Sasquatch - The apes amongst us" by J. Green.

Many of these books are described with brief synopses and prices, with some noted as autographed or in limited supply.

Second Hand Books

An extensive list of second-hand books is offered, covering a wide range of fortean and zoological subjects, including:

• "Zoo Quest to Guiana" by D. Attenborough.
• "The Forest and the Sea" by M. Bates.
• "In the Footsteps of the Russian Snowman" by D. Bayanov.
• "The Bermuda Triangle" by C. Berlitz.
• "The Loch Ness Mystery Solved" by R.J. Binns.
• "The Evidence for Bigfoot and other man beasts" by J. and C. Bord.
• "Umbalala" by L.G. Bottriel.
• "Mermaids and Mastodons" by Richard Carrington.
• "Tom Slick and the search for the Yeti" by Loren Coleman.
• "Pre istoric Animals" by B. Cox.
• "Leopard in my Lap" by Michaela Denis.
• "The Story of The Loch Ness Monster" by T. Dinsdale.
• "The magic of the senses" by V.B. Droscher.
• "New Lands" by C. Fort.
• "The Ancient Mysteries Reader Book 1" by P. Haining.
• "Loch Ness - The Monster" by A. Harmsworth.
• "World Atlas of Mysteries" by F. Hitching.
• "The Abominable Snowman adventure" by R. Izzard.
• "Orphans of the Sea" by Ken Jones.
• "Catlore" and "Dogwatching" by Desmond Morris.
• "13" by Tony 'Doc' Shiels.
• "Secrets from a Star Gazers notebook" by D.K. Smith.
• "Elephant Bill" by J.H. Williams.
• "The Loch Ness Story" (multiple editions) by N. Witchell.

Prices and condition notes are provided for these second-hand items.

Back Issues and Other Publications

Animals & Men Back Issues

A list of available back issues of Animals & Men is offered, with descriptions of their contents, including topics like "Giant Worm in Eastbourne", "Lake Monsters", "Mystery Cats", "UFOs", and "Animal Mutilations". Many are available as photocopies due to being out of print.

Steamshovel Press #14

This US magazine is described as highly regarded, focusing on conspiracy theories, UFOs, politics, hoaxes, and counter-hoaxes, drawing parallels to 'The Lone Gunman' from The X-Files.

Periodical Reviews

This section reviews a wide array of periodicals, including:

• Cryptozoology and Zoomythology: Dragon Chronicle, British Columbia Cryptozoology Club Newsletter, Creature Research Journal, Cryptozoologia, Cryptozoology Review, Exotic Zoology.
• Fringe Science: Science Frontiers, Nexus.
• Fortean/Earth Mysteries/Folklore: TEMS News, Haunted Scotland, Cover Up, Delve, 3rd Stone.
• Zoology/Natural History: Mainly About Animals, Bipedia, Milton Keynes Herpetological Society, Essex Reptiles and Amphibians Society, National Association of Private Animal Keepers, The Mane.
• Miscellaneous: Network News, Foaftale News, Pendragon, Lobster.

Each review provides a brief description of the publication's content and focus.

The Crypto Shop

Information is provided regarding "The Crypto Shop", including its January 1997 catalogue and details on postage and packing for orders. It emphasizes prompt delivery and provides payment instructions. Several of their own publications are also listed, such as "The Owlman and Others", "The CFZ Yearbook 1996" and "1997", "Morgawr: The Monster of Falmouth Bay", and "The Smaller Mystery Carnivores of the Westcountry".

Cartoon

A cartoon by Mark North titled "The Cryptozoology Files: In Search of the Gambia Sea Serpent" is included, featuring a humorous dialogue between two explorers searching for a buried carcass based on a map.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Animals & Men are cryptozoology, fortean phenomena, and zoology, with a strong emphasis on book reviews and listings. The magazine appears to cater to an audience interested in the unexplained, unusual animals, and fringe topics. The editorial stance seems to be one of exploration and information dissemination within these specialized fields, as evidenced by the diverse range of publications reviewed and discussed.